Your Writing File: Make a List

 

By Marilyn Nutter

In January, we often review last year’s meaningful events and relationships. Our year may have included losses or maybe cloud nine happies, with many routine moments in between. Change was part of our year and change is the one thing that is constant.

We will always meet change. One look in the mirror tells us that. The different number seated around our table for meals is another indication. A writing file is another.

Our writing file shows changes in our growth as a writer but also holds a list of submissions, works in progress, critiques, goals, rejections, disappointments, and successes.

Do you want to develop a different writing file this year? Do you want to see change? Consider making a LIST.

L: List your goals, hopes, questions, opportunities, plans, concerns, and fears. Do you want to find a writing coach, a mentor, a group, or attend a conference to help you grow as a writer? Are there drafts that need polishing or discarding? Is an unfinished proposal shouting for completion? What obstacles have you met?

I: Invite God into each one. Where is God in my writing? Ask for wisdom and help to direct you to the right conference, writers’ group, places to submit. Ask boldly if He wants to re-direct your writing topics, revise what you have, discard, or reveal something new. Where is the best opportunity to learn? Invite Him in as:

·      Jehovah Shalom, to give you peace in your discouragement and fears. (Judges 6:24)

·      Jehovah-Jireh- a provider of what we need, not necessarily what we might want. (Genesis 22;14)

·      Elohim-Creator, the One who continues to make, arrange, rearrange, and orchestrate because of His singular strength and power. (Genesis 1:1)

·      El Roi-the One who sees everyone and everything. There is confidence knowing He sees and knows us, including our writing. Genesis 16:13)

S: Seek Scripture related to each issue on your list. For example:

·      James 1:5: Ask for wisdom. He will provide it.

·      Psalm 138:8: Acknowledge He promises to fulfill His purposes. Elohim is at work.

·      Lamentations 3:22-23 shows His mercies and faithfulness in the past and present, He will be the same in the future.

·      Isaiah 26:3 will give me peace when my focus is vertically on Him, not horizontally on my circumstances or other writers. 

·      2 Timothy 1:7: He will replace your fears with power and self-discipline.

T: Turn your list over to God and trust Him to lead you. He is trustworthy  He is Elyon-God Most High-our sovereign trustworthy God. (Psalm 83:18)

“But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jeremiah 18:4 (NIV).

God is a potter who remakes pots as it suits Him. Though we have writing hopes, dreams, and projects, gifts, and personal shortcomings, presenting our LIST to the Potter to form, change, and even discard, leads us to rest in His best plans for us, even in change.

 

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Marilyn Nutter is the author of Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change and co-author with April White of the award winning book, Destination Hope: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart, She is a frequent contributor to online sites and compilations. Visit her at http:/MarilynNutter.com where you will find encouragement to weave hope and purpose into your life stories.